The Rh[ode] Isld Assembly which Sat at providence last Week were in profound Secrecy Gov. [Samuel] Ward one of the Continental Congress laid before the Assembly Some of the schemes Conceiving in the Congress. There are in America Secret negociations for foreign powers, which have actually offered their Assistance to the Americans, & if the Congress' petition to the king shall prove without effect, & the Parl[imen]t determine to prosecute the War, The Congress have in Contemplation, by Public proclamation to throw open their Trade to all the World; perhaps also to Enter into alliance with the States of Holland.
About IV this Afternoon many p'rsons heard the firing of Canon at a Distance as they were standing on the Wharfs in this Town. One Man said he Counted above fifty. ー It is a heavy thick Air, has rained much to day, & not yet Cleared off, but Seems in the midst of an August Storm. ー Two of our Men o' War went out yesterday for Block Island.